Sir Charles Jones
Sir Charles Jones is a prominent Southern soul and blues singer, often called the "Undisputed King of Southern Soul." Born Charles Jones Jr. on April 25, 1973, in Akron, Ohio, he was raised in Ensley, near Birmingham, Alabama, by his composer/pianist father, Charles Sr., and civil rights activist mother, Blanche.
Jones taught himself music fundamentals like jazz, gospel, blues, writing, arranging, and production from a young age. He attended Ensley High School (1987-1989) and started performing locally, earning his "Sir Charles" moniker at Club 2001 in Birmingham.
From 1994 to 1999, he toured as a background singer with Marvin Sease on the Chitlin' Circuit across the South, gaining mentorship in Southern soul. He then moved to Jackson, Mississippi, home to key labels like Malaco Records, though his demo was initially rejected there.
His self-titled debut album arrived in 2000, followed by the hit Love Machine (2001), which charted for 57 weeks on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, peaking at #28. Notable singles include "Friday," "Is Anybody Lonely?," "Just Can't Let Go," "For Better or Worse," and "Just Like Fire".
In 2003, a severe motorcycle accident left him in a coma for days, but he recovered and released Thank You for Holding On and Sir Charles Jones & Friends in 2006. Later works include Portrait of a Balladeer (2014) and six albums from 2018-2021, plus tours like the "Blues is Alright" in 2017.
A self-taught multi-instrumentalist blending traditional Southern R&B with modern elements, Jones has earned awards like International Entertainer of the Year (2001-2004) and continues dominating Southern soul.
Love Machine
3:28
2 Is There Anybody Lonely
4:42
3 Friday
3:59
4 Just Can't Let Go
4:38
5 Let Me See You Move It
3:06
6 Tell Me How You Want It
4:27
7 Let's Get It On
3:10
8 For Better Or Worse
5:10
9 Stop Fooling Around
3:14
10 Just Like Fire
3:06
Label: Mardi Gras Records – MG 1060
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2001
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Southern Soul
Sir Charles Jones' 2001 sophomore album, Love Machine, is widely considered the crowning jewel of the "King of Southern Soul’s" career. It famously spent 57 weeks on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, peaking at number 28.
Fans and critics like Daddy B. Nice often debate if his later work, The Masterpiece, surpassed it, but many still hold Love Machine as his definitive achievement.
Critics have praised the album for its "sensuality and emotional heat," noting that Jones' vocals successfully bridged the gap between traditional blues and contemporary soul.
Its longevity on the Billboard charts (over a year) cemented Jones as a major player in the "Chitlin' Circuit" and a "modern-day Johnny Mathis forged in a cauldron of the blues".
Key Tracks:-
"Is There Anybody Lonely?": Credited with bringing Jones massive attention on soul and blues radio, this ballad is often used as his signature show-closer.
"Friday": An enduring anthem that Southern Soul critics describe as sounding "fresh" even 20 years later; it captures the essence of the working man's weekend.
"Just Can’t Let Go" & "For Better or Worse": These tracks are frequently cited by fans as "early standards" and "vintage" essentials of the Southern Soul genre.
On platforms like Amazon and Discogs, the album maintains a high rating (average 3.67/5 on Discogs; 5/5 stars from most Amazon reviewers) who describe it as a collection of great love songs that chills you to the bone.